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CE N A V AD CKETS R O F CH TI E INE
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MATCH SPONSOR
KEN FOLLETT
BALL SPONSOR INTERACTIVE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
v CREWE ALEXANDRA Saturday, December 21 2019 | Kick-Off: 3.00pm
AHEAD OF THE GAME Let’s get back to winning ways! Here is the latest matchday news ahead of kick-off…
MATCHDAY TIMINGS… Club Shop/Ticket Office: Open from 12pm & after final whistle Broadhall Suite Bar: Open from 12pm-3pm & 4:45pm-6pm Hospitality: Open from 1:30pm Kids’ Zone: Open from 1pm-2:30pm Turnstiles: Open from 1:45pm
TICKET INFO… Tickets for today’s match range from £5 for Kids to £17 for Adults and are available online or in-store ahead of kick-off. Remember, all home tickets must be purchased before reaching the turnstiles and supporters can now scan their way in using their phone.
All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated
NORTH STAND OPEN
DONATE TO FOODSHED Stevenage Football Club is calling on its supporters to donate their un-needed items to Stevenage Vineyard Church’s Foodshed at this Saturday’s match against Crewe Alexandra. Demand on the Foodshed is high as always, so we are appealing to all of our supporters ahead of Saturday’s big game. Donations will be collected from by the Kids’ Zone in the West Stand Car Park. To find out more including which items are of highest priority, please click here.
KIDS’ ZONE CHRISTMAS PARTY The Kids’ Zone will be hosting a Christmas Party from 1:30pm on Saturday, led by a Festive Karaoke session, as our very own Jamie Drackford leads a Merry sing-a-long with supporters and staff. Take part in our Christmas Pudding picture hunt from 1:30pm, where signed shirts will be awarded to the lucky winners who find all 12 of our hidden treats around the ground (under 12s only). So join us at the Kids’ Zone ahead of the game, where our brilliant Foundation Staff will help deliver a pre-match experience for your little one to remember.
Stevenage Football Club is pleased to confirm that the North Stand upper concourse, Ticket Office and high-level Wheelchair Bays will be open for open for the first time for this Saturday’s home fixture against Crewe Alexandra.
CLICK HERE for more information on the North Stand 2 | www.stevenagefc.com
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
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CARETAKER MANAGER
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MARK SAMPSON
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I
want to start by personally welcoming Graham back to the Football Club. Graham played such a big part in allowing the Club to grow into what it is today. His achievements are etched into the fabric of our Club and I along with the staff and players cannot wait to be part of a new journey that starts today. As the Gaffer has said this week, 4 points from 10 league games and no wins in 12 to start the competitive season is as bad as they come! Away from the pitch we were also in such a bad place. I am proud of the staff and players who have worked so hard to give us 12 points over our last 10 league games, 3 wins to reach a Cup Quarter Final and crucially a stable, organised, disciplined and professional structure off the pitch that can be the platform we use to really kick on from. The last three months have been a massive challenge, an incredible experience and a period I felt I was learning and improving every day. My overriding emotion is immense pride at having the privilege of leading this fantastic Football Club. To the players, the staff and the supporters - thank you. The Gaffer has come in and immediately his confidence in the team has shone through. There are 26 games to be won, and 78 points. He has shared with us his experience of winning 16 straight games as a Manager and how he has no doubt about the opportunity that lies ahead. Many fans will remember 10 wins in 11 from January 2011 helped the club reach 6th spot and an eventual promotion after being 18th in January. The Gaffer has been clear we won’t give up on our tremendous recent defensive performances as we release the leash on our attacking play. The work ethic, sense Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
of responsibility and commitment to defend well that we have shown has all served us well. But we will play with more thrust and positive possession, shown in our selection, tactics and intentions. On form, we will be favourites today. But we know that the victors will be the team that produces the most today. A win today puts us top 7 in the form table which would be a real signal of our intentions moving forward and going into the Christmas period. www.stevenagefc.com | 5
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THE CHAIRMAN
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PHIL WALLACE
G
ood afternoon and welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Crewe Alexandra. Our dominance for a lot of the game away at Newport resulted in just a draw and giving up a one goal lead with virtually the last kick of the game was hard for us all to take. However, it absolutely sums up our season. Learning to win is a process and managers can’t expect to learn the code to engineering wins after a handful of games in charge. Although the playing side of our club has been totally revitalised since Mark took over as caretaker, we are still in the same precarious position in the league and it was time to draw a line and employ someone in charge with significant and relevant experience. It was no surprise that we turned to GW and I have said in my press releases, this is not a time to experiment with managers. This is a time for continuity and experience. Graham has both and having employed him three times before, clearly I have a very high opinion of his skills and his ability to put a team in place that can win us matches in the short term and build a team we can be proud of over the longer term. This was a unanimous decision by the directors and senior management and already we can see the benefit of subtle changes in approach and encouragement he can provide. Last time his two seasons with us didn’t feel right for either of us, for a variety of reasons, but this time it just does. There is no doubt that in the last 4 and a half years, he will have matured, evolved and be able to better understand the twin philosophy of (i) increasing gates and (ii) developing players to move up Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
the pyramid, that drives this club. The former can only come from a winning team providing an afternoon or evening of great entertainment for our fans. The latter can only come from a great Academy feeding players into the First Team, smart recruitment outside of that and great coaching. Both of these are necessary for Stevenage FC to survive, since the cost of running an EFL club is so much higher than the income. Graham fully understands and embraces those two key points and that underpins the entire strategy of his appointment. Everything we do flows from achieving those two aims. Moving off the pitch for a moment, the North Stand concourse (tea bar and toilets) will be open for this Saturday’s game against Crewe and that is a major milestone for our Club. I can’t tell you the hoops we have to jump through to obtain the permits necessary to operate as a public building nowadays, but we have ticked them off one at a time and I look forward to seeing our North Stand Season Ticket holders and their guests use the concourse for the first time. I am sure we will learn quite a lot from this soft opening, and we will continue to increase the capacity as we move through the season. Today is a huge milestone in the Club’s history. It’s been a hard, long journey but it will be worthwhile. On the pitch, the lads have the opportunity today to put a poor home showing against Crawley behind them, impress the new watching manager and start us on the road to a winning run, against very strong opposition today. Enjoy the game and get behind the lads to let them know you care. www.stevenagefc.com | 7
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MATCH
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ACTION
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
1
1 STEVENAGE FC
NEWPORT COUNTY
SONUPE 12’
MATT 90+2’
56%
14
44%
POSSESSION
11
SHOTS
14
3 4
6 3
6 4 4
SHOTS ON TARGET Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
CORNERS
FOULS
www.stevenagefc.com | 11
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J Z R R S S S R OH M Y S M I I D M T Q J H M WM B J R S U Q J D V T R Y M O K V J G T J Z QX X OOY S R WU A K Z F WP U M L Z G VK J R B B X S J R K B D V B CCB H K F R N Y S K L M Q Z P L A Z J L T B R N E WE D P E P H WH I T E L L O S O F O J O S OR K QU Q J N N L Z P F N F S P E R CN G J L B E A N M B S K J F GU L H M D B H GGY M Z Q L WS G A Y I N QM A U WA A I F M W E L E X H A B Z M N R T U N CB R W P Y U I E X XM N S L K VG V J L T B Z D Z H X Q E R U I Y GG CGY G F Y Q G T E B H A WM J G J E Z S H H T OU B S V P CH Q L J Y Y F L K L X D Y O S D J F K J M P V G I OU D N N Y J N I CO S G E OR AN D R O
ANSWERS:
NAME THE PLAYERS Can you name the three players shown to the right?
WORD SEARCH Can you name find the hidden names of 4 Boro players
ANDRONICOS GEORGIOU BEN NUGENT JOSEPH WHITE PAUL TAYLOR
1 2 3
NAME THE PLAYERS 1. Dean Parrett 2. Jack Smith 3. Daniel Newton M T Q J G T R WU B B X N Y S E WE F O J N F S K J F WS G E L E P Y U B Z D F Y Q H T O L X D D N N AN D
J M A S K D O P G A X I Z G U Y Y R
H R K J L P S E U Y H E H T B O J O
I M J Z R M E O R L I A X X E S S N
I M S Y R WM B J R Z QX X K F WP U M K B D V B Q Z P L A P H WH I R K QU Q CN G J L H M D B H N QM AU B Z M N R XM N S L Q E R U I B H A WM V P CH Q D J F K J I CO S G
S S S U VO L Z CC Z J T E J N B E GG WA T U K V Y G J G L J M P E O
S Q Y G B L L N A Y A N G G J Y V R
R D J O V H T L L N M I C V C E Y G
J O D O K K B O Z M Z F B J G Z F I
Z H V Y J F R S P B Q M R L Y S L O
R M T S R R N O F S L W W T G H K U
WORD SEARCH Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
www.stevenagefc.com | 13
2
O
THE ART OF GIFTING SINCE 1925
0 % N E G XT IF R T A C F A RE RD E S
THOUGHTFUL GIFTING
INTERACTIVE QUIZ! TWAS THE GAME BEFORE CHRISTMAS….SO DO YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY?
MATCHDAY MASCOT Leading the Boro out today will be Freddie Finch, our mascot for the clash with Crewe. 9-year-old Freddie is a pupil at Peartree Spring School and the youngster from Hydean Way lists playing football and Xbox as his two main hobbies. Freddie’s favourite player is Kurtis Guthrie so let’s hope his hero bags a goal or two in his honour today.
If you’d like to discuss a mascot package in more detail or making a booking then please contact the Foundation on 01438 223223 (Option 6) or via community@stevenagefc.com
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
www.stevenagefc.com | 15
FROM THE
ARCHIVES
H
ow fitting that our archive programme today comes from our last season with Graham Westley in charge. Relegated the previous season after three campaigns in League One, Boro entered their first festive period back in League Two in mixed form, but they got back to winning ways with this match in front of a crowd of 2,878. Indeed it was to be a goal from sub Charlie Lee which claimed the three points here and which saw Boro push on in the best possible way to the end of the season.
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Saturday December 20, 2014
Stevenage 1 Exeter 0 CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME
ON THIS DAY Saturday December 21, 1996 Stevenage 0 Bath 0 Let’s go back to the season after Boro were denied promotion - with court wranglings, cup runs and league pressure piling up Boro were fighting on all fronts, a cup third round tie with Birmingham ahead and on a run of five straight wins, they just had to hold their nerve in the title race. Alas despite fielding such legends as Gallagher, Smith, Crawshaw, Browne, Beevor and Trebble, this proved to be a real stinker with just 587 in attendance. The Xmas shoppers knew something... Information kindly supplied by www.boroguide.co.uk Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
CLICK HERE
www.stevenagefc.com | 17
PLAYER SPONSORS
FIRST TEAM 2019/20 TO SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER... Please call Clive Abrey on 01438 223223 or email clivea@stevenagefc.com
1 Paul Farman
2 Luther James-Wildin
3 Christopher Stokes
4 Paul Digby
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SFC Supporters Association
7 Charlie Carter SPONSORED BY
5 Scott Cuthbert SPONSORED BY
Stevenage FC Foundation Dept.
8 Joel Byrom SPONSORED BY
9 Jason Cowley
10 Ben Kennedy
13 Sacha Bastien
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SPONSORED BY
Ken and Barbara Follett
18 | www.stevenagefc.com
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
14 Jamie Fielding SPONSORED BY
15 Terence Vancooten SPONSORED BY
East Sussex College
19 Daniel Newton
20 Kelland Watts SPONSORED BY
DR Accountancy
The Cromwell Hotel
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17 Joel Rollinson
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Frank Cooper & Son Ltd
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30 Luis Fernandez
16 Arthur Iontton
31 Ben Nugent SPONSORED BY
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
23 Jack Smith SPONSORED BY
18 Dean Parrett SPONSORED BY
Dog Academy
25 Paul Taylor
28 Kurtis Guthrie
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33 Tyler Denton
34 Elliott List
35 Craig Mackail-Smith
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www.stevenagefc.com | 19
SPONSORS
ACADEMY PLAYERS TO SPONSOR A FUTURE STAR... Please call 01438 223223
Alfie Williams (u18)
Lewis Lynn (u18)
Jake Bunyan (u18)
Jack Berman (u18)
Finlay Johnson (u16)
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Here’s to a great 2019/20 season Jack
TD Sports UK
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Best of luck for the season
Ellis, good luck for the 19/20 season!
Mum, Dad & Henry
Jack Wilson (u16) SPONSORED BY
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Mum, Dad & Family
20 | www.stevenagefc.com
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Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
Daniel Nimmo (u13) SPONSORED BY
Ellis Bates (u13)
Ryan Doherty (u12)
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Eddie Wright (u12)
Good Luck for the season Ellis!!
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Jack Cooper (u10)
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Mum, Dad & Max
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Stanley Wild (u10)
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Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
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Archie Chamberlain (u9)
Teddy Laws (u9) SPONSORED BY
www.stevenagefc.com | 21
PLAYER
QA
AND
Ben Kennedy
FIRSTS & LASTS…
First…
Car: I don’t drive Football shirt you owned: A Spurs shirt Celeb Crush: Nicole Scherzinger Footballer you idolised: Frank Lampard Music you owned: Black Eyed Peas Overnight roommate: Beardo Thing you do when you get home from training: Love a good nap 22 | www.stevenagefc.com
Last…
Thing you watched on TV: I’m a Celebrity Thing you bought: A flight home Football Match you went to: Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid Thing you ate: A Crème Egg Time you lost your temper: I do most days Good deed: I gave a homeless person a few coins Goal you scored: Yeovil Away when at Newport Song you listened to: A Lewis Capaldi song Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
THIS OR THAT… Home or Away Kit: Away Burger King or McDonalds: Burger King IOS or Android: IOS Netflix or YouTube: Netflix Beef or Chicken: Chicken Cardio or Weights: Cardio Outgoing or Shy: Outgoing Zidane or Ronaldinho: Ronaldinho Talksport or 5Live: Talksport Dine in or Delivery: Delivery Lie in Or Early Start: Lie In East Terrace or North Stand: East Terrace Premier League or Champions League: Champions League Hard or Soft Boiled: Soft Sweet or Sour: Sweet Beach or Pool: Beach Jeans or Trackies: Trackies Text Message or Call: Text Dogs or Cats: Neither Superman or Batman: Superman Winter or Summer: Summer Postman Pat or Fireman Sam: Fireman Sam Old Crest or New Crest: Old Save or Spend: Save Rap or Rock: Rap Tea or Coffee: Coffee Bath or Shower: Bath X-Factor or Strictly: X-Factor Pasta or Pizza: Pizza 1-0 win or 3-2 win: 3-2
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
TOP 3s… Career Moments: Scoring at Luton, playing at Windsor Park vs France & my first goal since the birth of my son – penalty at home to Colchester last season Takeaways: Chinese, Pizza, Indian Players of All Time: Messi, Ronaldo, Iniesta Players you have played with: Jobi McAnuff, Jamal Lewis, Jordan Thompson Stadiums you have played in: Windsor Park, Kenilworth Road, Portman Road TV Shows: Shooter, Power, Suits Films: Matilda, Step Brothers, Coach Carter Sports: Darts, Golf, Tennis Musical Artists: Lewis Capaldi, The Script, Oasis Meals: Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Curry, A good Steak Countries to visit: America, Spain and Northern Ireland Breakfast Items: Bacon, Sausage, Hash Brown Desserts: Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge, Profiteroles Apps: Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat Fruits: Pineapple, Grapes, Orange Items you take everywhere: Phone, Bank Card, Keys
www.stevenagefc.com | 23
Match day shuttle bus
just ÂŁ1.50 return every 25 minutes get your ticket from your driver Stevenage Bus Station > Stevenage Rail Station > Stevenage Football Club 12160724 Half B5 banner-AW.indd 1
23/04/2018 09:36
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STEVENAGE FC
ACADEMY
S
itting at the Academy reflecting on the season to date always takes you through different emotions. Our FA Youth Cup journey came to an end at home to Aston Villa. Taking a Premier League Category 1 Academy to penalties was a major plus and underlines the
strides we are making and the quality we are producing. However I can’t help but feel it was a real opportunity missed and a visit to Man City in the following round was denied. We have also just completed another round of audit from the Premier League and the Professional Game and the two day visit form the auditors showed we are well on the way to achieving all the strict criteria laid down by the governing bodies when it comes to sanctioning academy provision What it does show is the Academy is growing and that the quality of work put in by the staff the players and the parents is showing real signs of excellence and hopefully means we can continue the production line that we are becoming known for here at Stevenage FC Finally good luck to the boys today and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Robbie O’Keefe Academy Manager Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
www.stevenagefc.com | 25
STEVENAGE FC
FOUNDATION MARRIOTTS PROGRESS IN EFL UTILITA GIRLS CUP With 13 teams taking part from 8 local schools the tournament saw over 95 girls playing football throughout the afternoon at Stevenage FC Academy. The tournament saw teams battle in two groups to secure one of the two top spots and qualify for the Semi-Finals. Barnwell, Nobel, Marriotts and John Warner made up our Semi Finalists with the winners to be decided by a Barnwell vs Marriotts final. In what was a brilliant game, Barnwell went two goals ahead before Marriotts staged a superb comeback and ended up 3-2 winners.
Marriotts School will now represent Stevenage FC in the Area Finals in Luton where they’ll face winners from other EFL Clubs’ tournaments. They’ll be hoping to make it through to the regional finals in Swindon where they’ll fight for a place in the National Finals at Wembley Stadium. A big congratulations and thanks to all our participating schools: Barnwell School, John Henry Newman School, John Warner School, Nobel School, Marriotts School, Monks Walk School, Onslow St Audrey’s and Thomas Alleyne Academy. Thanks also to Stevenage FC first team players Scott Cuthbert and Dean Parrett for coming to see the girls at the tournament. Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
GILES SCHOOL PROGRESS IN EFL UTILITA KIDS CUP Over 60 boys and girls took part in an afternoon of football, 8 different partnered schools entered the tournament with the opportunity for the winners to represent Stevenage FC in the regional finals held in March 2020 in Swindon. The tournament saw teams battle in two groups to secure one of the two top spots and qualify for the semi-finals. Camps Hill, Giles Juniors, Watchlytes and Watton at Stone made up our semi finalists with the winners to be decided by a Watchlytes vs Giles Juniors final. The final was a competitive battle that went on to be decided by a penalty shoot out which Giles Juniors were victorious within. Giles Juniors will now represent Stevenage FC in the Regional Finals in Swindon where they’ll face winners from other EFL Clubs’ tournaments with a chance of playing at Wembley for the winners. A big congratulations and thanks to all our participating schools: Giles Juniors, Watchlytes, Watton at Stone, Camps Hill Weston, Grange Academy, Round Diamond and Holy Family. Thanks also to Stevenage FC first team players Dean Parrett, Jason Cowley and Sacha Bastien for coming to see the children at the tournament. www.stevenagefc.com | 27
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STEVENAGE FC
WOMEN
HERTS VIPERS 3 STEVENAGE WOMEN 4 On Sunday we were away to Herts Vipers in the Herts County Cup, a competition we have done well in over the last four seasons. Although Herts Vipers were in a lower division than us we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we started the game on the front foot, creating numerous chances. A free kick from 30 yards from Tamsyn Sibanda opened the scoring for us but this seemed to lift the Vipers and they drew level shortly after. However we pressed again and just before half time we scored a second through Amy Josland which took us to the break 2-1 up. The second half started similar to the first with us creating but not capitalising on chances and that was giving the Vipers a huge lift which they then maximised as they made it 2-2. We were then on the back foot for the first time in the game and the Vipers pressed us and took a deserved lead at 3-2. It was now going to take a huge effort to get something out of the game and that’s exactly what we got with Katie Knell equalising taking the game into extra time with a great strike. At 3-3 in extra time we continued to have chances but we couldn’t put them away and the game looked to be going to penalties when with just seconds remaining there was huge mix up with the Vipers keeper and full back which resulted in an own goal, a cruel way for the game to finish. We take the 4-3 win though and are now in the semi final. Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
DATE AUGUST 2019 18/08/19 14:00 25/08/19 14:00 SEPTEMBER 2019 01/09/19 14:00 03/09/19 19:45 08/09/19 14:00 15/09/19 14:00 22/09/19 14:00 29/09/19 14:00 OCTOBER 2019 06/10/19 19:45 09/10/19 19:45 20/10/19 14:00 27/10/19 14:00 NOVEMBER 2019 10/11/19 14:00 17/11/19 14:00 DECEMBER 2019 01/12/19 15:30 08/12/19 14:00 15/12/19 14:00 JANUARY 2020 12/01/20 14:00 FEBRUARY 2020 02/02/20 14:00 09/02/20 14:00 19/02/20 19:45 MARCH 2020 01/03/20 14:00 08/03/20 14:00 17/03/20 19:45 22/03/20 14:00 29/03/20 14:00 26/04/20 14:00
OPPONENT
RESULT
Actonians Yeovil Town
1-2 0-7
Norwich City Enfield Town AFC Wimbledon Leyton Orient Ipswich Town Cambridge United
1-4 1-5 4-2 1-3 0-7 4-0
Peterborough United Billericay Town Ipswich Town Kent Football United
1-2 6-2 2-3 5-2
Cambridge City Hoddesdon Town
2-2 H-W
Maidenhead United AFC Basildon Herts Vipers
3-2 6-4 3-4
Actonians Norwich City AFC Wimbledon Enfield Town Leyton Orient Cambridge United Billericay Town Kent Football United Ipswich Town Cambridge City
SUPPORT US! Home games are generally played at 2pm on Sundays at the following address: The County Ground, Letchworth Garden City SG6 2EN. Follow the Women on Twitter @StevenageFCW for all the latest news and views! www.stevenagefc.com | 29
SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION
LATEST NEWS
WELCOME The Railwaymen are here, and very welcome they are too. On behalf of the Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association, I wish all their fans and supporters a pleasant visit to the Lamex Stadium here in Stevenage. A personal welcome to Dave Tomlinson. Dave is a train driver by trade, but is a true football fan in every sense of the word. Not only is Dave one of Crewe’s SLO’s, but he also sits on the National Executive of the Football Supporters’ Federation, which is where I get to meet him from time to time. Welcome Dave.
FOOTBALL MUSEUM Did you know that the world’s very first football museum was at Hitchin FC? Did you also know that there are now 20+ football museums in the UK? The other week, Sarah and I were in Germany and took time out to go see Hamburg SV play FC Heidenheim at their mightily impressive Volksparkstadion. The museum there is amazing, as the accompanying photograph illustrates. As the club’s historian, I’m on a bit of a mission to engage with the relevant Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
authorities to preserve Stevenage’s footballing heritage. Indulge me.
INTER-CITY BORO On Sunday December 29th, the mighty Boro are away to Plymouth Argyle. Home Park, otherwise known as the “Theatre of Greens” is our destination and we are taking bookings for the fun bus – now! Who of you will come with us on Sunday 29th ? It’s an 8:00am departure from The Lamex to the depths of Devon. The cost is just £25 for members and £30 for non-members. Then on New Year’s Day, we’re off on the road again. “Cobblers”, I hear you say, and you would be correct. Sixfields in Northampton is our destination with the buses departing Stevenage at 12:30pm, costing £15 for members and £20 for non-members. To guarantee your place on one of the buses, please contact John Carroll on 01438 814285 after 6:00pm.
Lloyd Briscoe
Chairman of Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association www.stevenagefc.com | 31
WELCOME
THE BASICS… This season’s surprise package in Sky Bet League Two, Crewe Alexandra have enjoyed a campaign full of optimism with attacking football, and will be looking to fight for the
32 | www.stevenagefc.com
automatic promotion places all the way to the end of the campaign. Relegated from the league above in 2016 after finishing bottom with just 34 points, the Railwaymen have not been able to surmount a real push for promotion after finishing the last four seasons no higher than 12th place. The glory years came under the guidance of famous Crewe manager Dario Gradi that lasted over 1250 games - a spell of over 20 years from 1983. The Italian-born boss was able to guide the club to four promotions from the old Fourth Division (League Two) to the Championship.
LATEST FORM… After starting the season with a 3-0 home defeat to Plymouth, the Railwaymen have only lost a further three matches in what could turn out to be a successful campaign come April.
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
CHRIS PORTER
But Crewe are currently are on their worst run of form in the league this campaign, having only been able to pick up one victory in five games, the success coming in the shape of a 5-0 hammering of bottom of the league Morecambe. This means they sit in 4th place, level on points with Cheltenham in 3rd. Crewe are also still battling in the Emirates FA Cup having beaten Accrington away and Eastleigh at home in the previous rounds - they now face another home tie against Championship outfit Barnsley in the third round.
STAR MAN… Experienced striker Chris Porter is the club’s top goalscorer with eight goals this season and looks to play a major part in leading the team’s attacking line. The 36-year-old is
now into his third season at Gresty Road; he looks set to surpass his most goals in one season in a Crewe shirt when he bagged 13 goals last campaign. Porter has scored over 150 goals in his career for teams such as Bury, Oldham, Motherwell, Derby, Sheffield United and Colchester.
DAVID ARTELL
THE GAFFER… David Artell took over from Steve Davis In January 2017, with Crewe facing relegation to the National League. Artell, in his first managerial role, was able to steer the team to mid-table, winning four out of five games in March – picking up League Two Manager of the Month. The former centre back did play for Crewe, along with Rotherham, Mansfield, Chester, Morecambe, Wrexham and Bala Town. by Taylor Catton Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
www.stevenagefc.com | 33
FIXTURES & RESULTS 2019/20 DATE
OPPONENT
RESULT
BORO SCORERS
AUGUST 2019 Sat Aug 03 Salford City
2-0
Exeter City
0-1
Sat Aug 10
Tue Aug 13 Southend United
1-2
Sat Aug 17
0-0
Leyton Orient
Tue Aug 20 Bradford City
0-1
Sat Aug 24 Mansfield Town
0-0
Sat Aug 31
Macclesfield Town
2-2
Parrett
Guthrie, Wildin
SEPTEMBER 2019 Tue Sep 03 MK Dons
0-3
Sat Sep 07 Cheltenham Town
4-2
Newton (2)
Sat Sep 14
Carlisle United
2-3
Guthrie (2)
Tue Sep 17
Northampton Town
0-1
Sat Sep 21
Forest Green Rovers
0-0
Sat Sep 28
Cambridge United
1-1
Cowley
Sat Oct 05 Colchester United
3-1
Cowley
Tue Oct 08 Wycombe Wanderers
0-1
Cowley
OCTOBER 2019
Sat Oct 12
Grimsby Town
2-1
Guthrie, Carter
Sat Oct 19
Port Vale
1-1
Guthrie
Tue Oct 22 Swindon Town Sat Oct 26
1-0
Morecambe
1-0
Tue Oct 29 Fulham U21
Cuthbert
1-1 (4-2) Carter
NOVEMBER 2019 Sat Nov 02 Scunthorpe United
0-0
Sat Nov 09 Peterborough United
1-1
Sat Nov 19
2-0
Peterborough United
Sat Nov 23 Walsall
List
0-0
DECEMBER 2019 Tue Dec 03 Colchester United
1-2
Sat Dec 07 Crawley Town
0-0
Sat Dec 14
Newport County
Sat Dec 21
Crewe Alexandra
1-1
Cowley (2) Sonupe
Thu Dec 26 Forest Green Rovers Sun Dec 29 Plymouth Argyle
APPEARANCES PAUL FARMAN............................................................24 (0) CHRIS STOKES............................................................23 (0) CHARLIE CARTER...................................................... 21 (3) SCOTT CUTHBERT...................................................... 19 (1) KURTIS GUTHRIE........................................................ 19 (2) KELLAND WATTS....................................................... 17 (2) LUTHER WILDLIN.......................................................15 (0) MICHAEL TIMLIN......................................................... 13 (3) TERENCE VANCOOTEN............................................12 (1) JASON COWLEY......................................................... 11 (8) TYLER DENTON.............................................................11 (1) TOM SOARES................................................................. 11 (0) ELLIOTT LIST................................................................10 (2) BEN NUGENT.................................................................9 (2) CHARLIE LAKIN........................................................... 9 (0) NOOR HUSIN................................................................. 8 (4) EMMANUEL SONUPE................................................ 8 (4) ARTHUR IONTTON......................................................7 (4) JOEL BYROM...................................................................6 (1) DEAN PARRETT............................................................6 (3) LUIS FERNANDEZ....................................................... 6 (4) DANNY NEWTON........................................................ 6 (4) BEN KENNEDY.............................................................. 6 (4) PAUL TAYLOR................................................................5 (3) CRAIG MACKAIL-SMITH............................................5 (9) SACHA BASTIEN.......................................................... 3 (0) PAUL DIGBY.....................................................................3 (1) JAMIE FIELDING............................................................3 (3) ADAM EL-ABD................................................................ 1 (2) JOEL ROLLINSON....................................................... 0 (2) ANDRONICOS GEORGIOU...................................... 0 (1) LIAM SMYTH................................................................... 0 (1)
LEAGUE TABLE
JANUARY 2020
P
W
D
L
12
Newport County
19
7
7
5
13
Scunthorpe United
Wed Jan 01 Northampton Town Sat Jan 04
Colchester United
Sat Jan 11
Port Vale
Sat Jan 18
Cambridge United
Sat Jan 25
Plymouth Argyle
Tue Jan 28
Grimsby Town
FEBRUARY 2020 Sat Feb 01
Leyton Orient
Sat Feb 08 Exeter City Tue Feb 11
Bradford City
Sat Feb 15
Salford City
Sat Feb 22
Crawley Town
Sat Feb 29
Walsall
MARCH 2020 Sat Mar 07
Crewe Alexandra
Sat Mar 14
Newport County
Tue Mar 17
Swindon Town
Sat Mar 21
Morecambe
Sat Mar 28
Scunthorpe United
APRIL 2020
2 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 7 3 4 1 1 0 5 5 11 5 2 6 1 3 4 4 24 0 3 4 5 0 2
GD Pts 2
28
21
6
7
8
1
25
14 Salford City
21
6
7
8
-7
25
15
20
5
9
6
-3
24
16 Crawley Town
Macclesfield Town
21
5
8
8
-6
23
17
Walsall
21
6
5
10
-11
23
18
Mansfield Town
21
5
7
9
-3
22
19 Leyton Orient
21
5
7
9
-8
22
20 Grimsby Town
19
5
6
8
-5
21
21
21
5
6
10
-12
21
Carlisle United
22 Oldham Athletic
20
4
8
8
-9
20
23 Stevenage
20
2
10
8
-9
16
24 Morecambe
21
3
6
12
-22
15
Sat Apr 04 Oldham Athletic Fri Apr 10
Mansfield Town
CLICK HERE FOR FULL TABLE AND STATS
Mon Apr 13 Macclesfield Town Sat Apr 18
Cheltenham Town
Sat Apr 25
Carlisle United
34 | www.stevenagefc.com
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
STEVENAGE FC
COMMERCIAL Today’s match is kindly sponsored by one of our long standing supporters, Ken Follett. Ken Follett is one of the world’s most successful authors. Over 165 million copies of the 31 books he has written have been sold in over 80 countries and in 33 languages. Ken’s first success was Eye of the Needle (1978), a spy story set in the Second World War. In 1989 The Pillars of the Earth was published, and has since become Ken’s most successful novel, selling 26 million copies. Ken’s latest book, A Column of Fire, is a historical novel about spies and secret agents in the 16th century, the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Set partly in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, it is a sequel to bestsellers The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End and was published in September 2017.
This afternoon’s Mitre match ball is sponsored by the Stevenage FC Supporters Association. This afternoon’s Mitre match ball is sponsored by the Stevenage FC Supporters Association. The Stevenage FC Supporters Association was founded in 1994, it is run by a committee of volunteers and aims to provide resources and funds to the Football Club and to give benefits to the Club’s supporters. Members benefit from a discount in the club shop, reduced travel costs by coach to away games, local retailer discounts, a free match day ticket draw, ticket priority for “all ticket” games, a monthly electronic newsletter and a free pin badge. They also operate Junior Boro’ for under 16 year olds who also receive birthday cards. Please visit their website at www.sfcsa.co.uk or call 07909 697129.
HOSPITALITY Our range of Match-day Hospitality packages are designed to offer full flexibility, whether you’re coming to the game alone, in a small or large group or if you’re inviting staff and customers, we have something to suit. Our superbly appointed Executive Boxes accommodate up to 10 people in comfort, and with our freshly prepared meals, selection of wines, beers and soft drinks they really do offer fantastic value for money. For groups of varying sizes we offer the Benington Suite, the Knebworth Suite and the Sponsors Lounge. We pride ourselves on being able to provide exactly what’s needed to make your day with us as enjoyable and hassle free as possible, a fact borne out by the number of repeat visits that are made throughout the season. For more information, whether you’re planning a corporate sponsorship event, or a get together with friends and family, please contact Clive Abrey on 01438 223223 or by email at clivea@stevenagefc. com for full details and availability options.
Stevenage FC v Crewe Alexandra
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL A simple way to show the support you or a loved one have for the Boro’ is to place your unique brick on the Boro Brick Wall. Whether it’s for a Birthday present, a Christmas present, something to say “Thank You” or a way of showing your affection for someone you’ve lost, a brick on the Boro Brick Wall is an ideal way for all to see your dedication to the Club in a permanent and prominent position. Prices start at just £50 for a single size brick, rising to £100 for the double sized version. For further information or to order, please visit the Club Shop.
www.stevenagefc.com | 35
STEVENAGE CARETAKER MANAGER: MARK SAMPSON
CREWE ALEXANDRA MANAGER: DAVID ARTELL GOLD SHIRTS, BLACK SHORTS AND GOLD SOCKS
RED AND WHITE SHIRTS, RED SHORTS, WHITE SOCKS
1 PAUL FARMAN 2 LUTHER JAMES-WILDIN 3 CHRISTOPHER STOKES 4 PAUL DIGBY 5 SCOTT CUTHBERT 6 THOMAS SOARES 7 CHARLIE CARTER 8 JOEL BYROM 9 JASON COWLEY 10 BEN KENNEDY 11 EMMANUEL SONUPE 12 NOOR HUSIN 13 SACHA BASTIEN 14 JAMIE FIELDING 15 TERENCE VANCOOTEN 16 ARTHUR IONTTON 17 JOEL ROLLINSON 18 DEAN PARRETT 19 DANIEL NEWTON 20 KELLAND WATTS 22 ALEX REID 23 JACK SMITH 24 ANDRONICOS GEORGIOU 25 PAUL TAYLOR 26 JOSEPH WHITE 28 KURTIS GUTHRIE 29 LIAM SMYTH 30 LUIS FERNANDEZ 31 BEN NUGENT 33 TYLER DENTON 34 ELLIOTT LIST 35 CRAIG MACKAIL-SMITH 44 MICHAEL TIMLIN
OFFICIALS REFEREE: Josh Smith ASSISTANT: Alasdair Ross ASSISTANT: Louis Marks FOURTH OFFICIAL: Gareth Viccars
WILL JAASKELAINEN 1 PERRY NG 2 HARRY PICKERING 3 RYAN WINTLE 4 OLLY LANCASHIRE 5 EDDIE NOLAN 6 DANIEL POWELL 7 JAMES JONES 8 CHRIS PORTER 9 CHARLIE KIRK 10 CALLUM AINLEY 11 PAUL GREEN 12 DAVE RICHARDS 13 OLI FINNEY 14 NICKY HUNT 15 TOMMY LOWERY 16 CHUMA ANENE 17 REGAN GRIFFITHS 18 OWEN DALE 19 JOSH LUNDSTRAM 20 LUKE OFFORD 21 TRAVIS JOHNSON 23 RIO ADEBISI 25 CONNOR HEATH 26 SAM BOOTH 27
UP NEXT AT HOME FOREST GREEN ROVERS 26/12/19 | KO: 3.00PM SKY BET LEAGUE TWO
MATCHDAY DISCRIMINATION TEXT LINE:
07565 942294
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